A Local's Guide to Kelowna’s Wine Region

Wine tasting

Canada’s premier wine destination! The hot, dry summers, limestone cliffs, and cool morning air over the mountains create perfect growing conditions for Pinot Noirs and cool-climate whites like Riesling. Dozens of wineries in the city boast exceptional tasting rooms with amazing vistas.

Take a break on the lake

The long lake nestled between the mountains is perfect for boating, paddle boarding, or swimming at many of the public beaches in the city centre. Rent at boat downtown and head south to Frind Winery—the first winery in North America to boast it's own beach.

Hiking

An early morning hike up Knox Mountain is the perfect way to start your day. Further south is Giants Head hike in the charming town of Summerland. The incredible views at the top is worth the climb.

Cycling

Nothing beats renting an e-bike at Myra Canyon and cycling along the historic Kettle Valley Railway. This 24 km trail offers breathtaking views, 18 trestles, and two tunnels. In the city centre you can rent a Lime bike and hit the miles of bike paths along the lake front. Or plan your route to take in some of the local breweries in the North End.

Local farm markets and farmer’s markets

Every Saturday in the summer, you’ll find local producers of everything from fruit to flowers to sake converging in the Landmark District. Thursday evenings are great for wandering the creators and crafters market downtown along the waterfront. And local markets like Don-O-Ray is fun for the whole family with a petting zoo, harvest tours, and an excellent produce market.

Dive into the North End Brewery District

Wander on foot or book in with a Dutch made brewery bike to sample the local beers and brews. Redbird Brewing offers outdoor concerts, BNA boasts it's own bowling lane, and most of the patios are pup friendly.

Kelowna is home to Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. From small diners and cafes to award-winning winery restaurants, the variety and quality are outstanding.

Breakfast

• Diner Deluxe has a line-up out the door. And for good reason. Charming interior, warm service, and approachable menu. The chicken and waffles is excellent.

• Empire Crepe is Parisian-inspired creperie with both sweet and savoury offerings. A fun brunch spot to meet before your brewery tour!

Coffee

Sprout in Cannery Lane is a downtown mainstay for tasty treats and the best sourdough bread in town.

Lunch

• Cross the bridge into West Kelowna and the heart of the wine trail for lunch at the iconic Quails Gate Winery. Their Old Vines restaurant in nestled into the vineyard with sweeping views to the lake below.

• Gather Restaurant in the downtown core is a harmonious fusion of Korean and Italian. Think bibimbap bowl along with kimchi risotto or spaghetti carbonara. All accompanied by an excellent wine list and well-crafted cocktails.

Happy Hour

Kelowna shines during the heat of a summer afternoon with patios full of people watchers.

• King Tap on the waterfront has unmatched indoor and outdoor dining.

• Hotel Eldorado further south of town has the best patio for casual eats on a dock that is literally over the water.

• Earls (though a chain) has an amazing rooftop patio in the heart of downtown.

Dinner

• Home Block at Cedar Creek Winery offers exceptional dining sourced from the bounty of the Okanagan valley. The 5-course tasting menu paired with the Platinum Library collection of wines is a culinary gem.

• Wildling is both a restaurant and a wine bar. Though it touts itself as humble, its menu shifts with the seasons to bring the most interesting and flavourful meals to date. A local gem.

Ice cream

No trip to Kelowna is complete without waiting in line for a scoop or two at Parlour. The pistachio and the whiskey hazelnut are local favourites